The Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF) Financial Leaders Programme (FLP) concluded its field trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 20 to 23 October. The trip was attended by 35 FLP participants, including all members of the 2025 cohort and 12 alumni.
The objectives of the trip are to deepen the participants’ understanding of Saudi Arabia’s financial market eco-system and strategic priorities, foster knowledge exchange between Hong Kong’s future financial leaders and key market practitioners and regulators in Saudi Arabia, promote opportunities for deeper financial and business collaboration, and expand professional networks of the participants within the Kingdom.
The delegation engaged with senior officials and representatives from leading institutions, including the Saudi Central Bank, the PIF, the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Tadawul Group, Fintech Saudi, and the Middle East and North Africa Fintech Association.
Through a series of meetings, in-depth discussions were held on topics of mutual interest, including Saudi Arabia’s economic development and transformation, fintech innovation, digitalisation, green and sustainable finance, and financial infrastructure development. Participants gained valuable insights into Saudi Vision 2030 and other initiatives driving the Kingdom’s economic transformation, the roles of key stakeholders in advancing strategic goals, and the potential for collaboration between the financial markets of Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Participants also shared updates on the latest developments in Hong Kong as an international financial centre, particularly in the field of fintech, with their counterparts. The delegation also attended a luncheon with Chinese corporates operating in the Kingdom to learn about their experiences, opportunities, and challenges in the region.
“This trip not only broadened the FLP participants’ global perspectives but also reinforced the strategic roles of Hong Kong and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as key gateways between Asia and the Middle East,” said Mr Enoch Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the AoF. “This journey has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration in fintech, green finance, and cross-border talent development.”
About the Hong Kong Academy of Finance
The AoF was set up with full collaboration amongst the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. It aims at facilitating financial talents’ development and fostering collaboration for applied researches.
About the Financial Leaders Programme
Launched in 2022, the FLP is a programme designed to inspire Hong Kong's future financial leaders (currently at around two levels below the CEO position), equipping them with the strategic mindset to lead with a macro perspective, and expand their professional network. Participants are nominated by their CEOs. The 2026 intake will open for applications in November 2025.
Hong Kong Academy of Finance
30 October 2025
FLP participants visit Riyadh.
FLP participants visit Saudi Central Bank.
Presentation of souvenir at a luncheon hosted by Standard Chartered Bank connecting FLP participants with Chinese corporates operating in the Middle East region.
FLP participants visit Saudi Tadawul Group.
FLP participants visit the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia.
FLP participants visit the Public Investment Fund.
